The ant and the acacia tree have a mutualistic relationship. The ant depends on the sugar provided by the tree's nectar. In turn, the tree is protected by these ants from insect pests that could harm it.
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They have a mutual relationship. At the base of the thorns of the acacia tree there are hollow lumps which the ants can turn into a hive. When animals, such as giraffes, start to eat the soft acacia leaves it vibrates the stems and the ants come out and attack the intruder annoying the giraffe so much that it stops eating at the acacia and moves on to find a less irritable meal. The tree then repays the ants by giving off a sweet nectar that the ants use to feed to there larvae. The ants also patrol down and around the base of the acacia and not eat but chew and destroy any other alien saplings growing in the vicinity of the acacia (not using a single bit of the destroyed plant). It is almost as if the ants know they are helping the acacia dominate and get as much water as possible.
5 feet
The most common large thorn tree in southern Africa is the Umbrella thorn tree (Acacia tortilis). An example of the leaves and thorns can be seen in this image, which also shows a pupal case protected by a 'cage' made from these thorns. Image: http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/Wizzard30/Nature/4505-800.jpg
There have been instances where over 100 species of ants have been observed on a single tree, especially in tropical rainforests where ant diversity is higher. The specific number can vary depending on the location and the size of the tree.
parasitism Pollination.
mutualism
parasitism Pollination.
they would die
From the blossom of an Acacia tree.
Buona acacia! in Italian is "Good acacia tree!" in English.
The Umbrella Acacia Tree
acacia ants
No, the acacia tree does not produce tannins before it receives ethylene.
Acacia is the genus name of the acacia tree. But that's only part of the scientific name. It needs to be followed by the specific species name. For example, Acacia plicata is the wattle tree of Geraldton and Perth in western Australia. Acacia implex is the Australian acacia or Lightwood tree. Acacia heterophylla is the Highland tamarin or Tamarin des Hauts of La Réunion, an island quite a bit off the coasts of Madagascar.
Class Magnoliopsida, Order Fabales, Family Fabaceae, Genus Acacia
tree ant